Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was quick to dismiss any notions that rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.’s explosive performance against the Los Angeles Rams was part of a grand plan. Despite Harrison’s lackluster NFL debut in Week 1, where he only caught one pass for 4 yards, the Cardinals trusted in their young talent to turn things around in Week 2.
After a disappointing start to his career, Harrison came out swinging in Sunday’s game against the Rams. In a matter of minutes, he found the end zone twice with impressive touchdown catches of 23 and 60 yards, igniting the crowd at State Farm Stadium. The first touchdown showcased his finesse and football IQ, while the second highlighted his blazing speed and explosiveness.
Coach Gannon was adamant in his denial of intentionally targeting Harrison for big plays. “Honestly, you guys are gonna think I’m a liar,” he chuckled. “The ball went where it should go.” According to Gannon, the Rams’ defensive strategies forced quarterback Kyler Murray to seek out favorable matchups, and Harrison rose to the occasion.
Gannon credited the rookie for delivering in a high-pressure situation. Despite the doubts following his shaky first game, Harrison proved his worth with a remarkable performance against a tough opponent like the Rams. The Cardinals’ faith in their top draft pick paid off, as Harrison’s early success set the tone for Arizona’s dominant 41-10 victory.
In the end, it wasn’t about design or strategy—it was about seizing opportunities and making the most of them. The Cardinals trusted in their rookie receiver, and he answered the call in spectacular fashion. As Harrison himself put it after the game, “I just wanted to help my team win, and I’m grateful for the chance to show what I can do.” And show it, he did.
